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Sabah Chief Minister promotes cultural tourism at Pesta Gong
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stated that cultural-based tourism has the potential to boost community economies, particularly in rural areas. Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Sabah State Level Pesta Gong in Matunggong, he emphasized that the diverse arts and culture of Sabah's ethnic groups are valuable assets for attracting domestic and international tourists.
The state government is committed to using culture as a driver for the local tourism industry, aligned with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) economic agenda. Hajiji highlighted Kampung Sumangkap in Matunggong as a renowned center for traditional gong making and urged local artisans to innovate by combining heritage with modern designs to reach international markets.
To ensure the sustainability of this craft, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of community support and the involvement of younger generations in learning and preserving the skill.
Entities
Hajiji Noor · Julita Majungki · Kampung Sumangkap · Matunggong · Sabah
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Cultural tourism can generate community economies in rural areas. sabahnews.com.my · sabahnewstoday.com.my
- [● 3 SOURCES] Datuk Julita Majungki read the Chief Minister's speech. sabahnews.com.my · sabahnewstoday.com.my
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Sabah state government is committed to promoting culture as a driver for the local tourism industry. sabahnews.com.my · sabahnewstoday.com.my
- [● 3 SOURCES] The 2026 Sabah State Level Pesta Gong was held at Dewan Terbuka Pekan Baru Matunggong. sabahnews.com.my · sabahnewstoday.com.my
- [● 3 SOURCES] The cultural promotion aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) economic agenda. sabahnews.com.my · sabahnewstoday.com.my
- [● 3 SOURCES] Kampung Sumangkap in Matunggong is a center for traditional gong making. sabahnews.com.my · sabahnewstoday.com.my